Monday, April 23, 2007

For the life of me I can't remember the shoes I wore on my wedding day! Granted, it was a million years ago, but isn't that strange? I can remember the dress my mother made for me and the baby's breath I wore in my hair, but not the shoes. What I do remember is taking them off at the reception because my feet were hurting so much.

We're entering into the wedding season, and even though I'm no longer with husband, I still love the pomp and ceremony and idea of what the wedding symbolizes. So here's my toast to you: may you and your beloved enjoy each other for the rest of your lives -- God bless you both. And may you, dear bride-to-be, find the wedding shoes of your dreams!! This is no idle toast, for finding beautiful shoes in low heels or flats in your size that are worthy of the day can be quite a challenge. So I, your die-hard romantic shoe reviewer, will dedicate future posts to this quest.

How about this creamy 'Cosette' leather flat by Glory Chen (BarefootTess.com)? The peep toe is chic and sexy. Sizes 10, 10.5, 14. On sale: $98.
Ebay find: How about this peek-a-boo cutie pie by Steve Madden? The wood wedge might not be right with your gown, but how about at your more relaxed wedding reception? Size 11. Buy it now price: $39. Bidding ends April 27.
What if you already found the comfy, low-heeled or flat shoes you're going to wear for your wedding, but they're a bit too plain? Bel Aire Shoe Jewelry at AdvantageBridal.com sells handmade rhinestone broaches that you can clip onto your shoes for some temporary bling bling. Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery.
I know this is green, but bridal gowns come in all colors nowadays. How about this Satin Ballerina Flat by Tapeet (NeimanMarcus.com) for the mother of the bride (or groom) or your bridesmaid(s)? If your color scheme matches the green and your budget is generous, go for it! Up to size 10 w/ 1/2 sizes. $325.
If you're not wearing a pure white gown, this peep toe, silver leather metallic "Rizen" by Steve Madden might work beautifully. Up to size 10 w/ 1/2 sizes. $109.95.
This silver leather "Candyy" by Steve Madden is sweet and sophisticated. Perfect for a wedding mini or tea length gown. Up to size 11 (hurray!) w/ 1/2 sizes. $69.95.
This silver leather "Toee" by Steve Madden, generously studded with sparkly rhinestones, is really flat but oh so cute and special enough for your big day. Up to size 10 w/ 1/2 sizes. $49.95.

If you're like me, you have more shoes than space to store them. Not quite Imelda Marcos, but getting there. Mohop (at Mohop.com), Annie Mohaupt's creative concept in custom shoes, is a shoe lover's dream. She provides the sole -- made from recycled rubber tires, among other things -- and you provide your own straps. The heels come in 1" to 3" heights. Here are a couple of my favorites from the gallery:











Thursday, April 19, 2007




Now these flats may not be classically beautiful (or maybe they are, depending on your taste), but you've got to admit, they sure are interesting. I found them at Shoe (www.bagandshoe.com).

Thursday, April 12, 2007

The following is posted with permission from my new friend, BarefootTess.com. Thanks, guys!

Celebrity "Sizings"

Did you know that at the beginning of the 20th century, the average American woman wore a 3.5 or a 4? By the 1960s she was strapping on a 6, according to The Professional Shoe Fitting Manual. In the '70s, it climbed to about 7.5; in the '80s, it reached 8. There are no stats yet for the '90s, but you can do the math. By now, the average women's size is somewhere in the 9s.

So it’s no surprise that the National Shoe Retailers Association says bigger sizes sell out faster than they did 25 years ago. (If you can find them.)

You are not alone, sole sister. Here are some big feet and the famous women who are attached to them.

Rebecca Lobo: 11
Paris Hilton: 11
Uma Thurman: 11
Heidi Klum: 11
Famke Janssen: 11
Oprah: 10
Mandy Moore: 10

Wednesday, April 11, 2007


Someone give me mouth-to-mouth because my heart just stopped! Would you look at this Turquoise Slide sandal by Rene Caovilla (NeimanMarcus.com). Love the color combination. Love the rhinestones and faux turquoise stones. Love the tiny heel. Love that awesome insole. Love the artistic, intricate rope design. I'd get a simple French pedicure, white tips. Up to size 10 w/ 1/2 sizes. $1,035 (I know, quite pricey for a sandal -- but oh my goodness, what a sandal!).


This leather Corso Como 'Sage' Boot (BarefootTess.com) is so cool, so stylish I can't stand it. There are times when I need boots for various outfits, but can never find them large enough to go around my legs. Here's the boot right here -- if only it went up to size 11. But I ain't mad at Tess. Comes in 10 and 10.5. 1/4" stacked heel. On sale for $94.


Have you ever seen anything like this fabulous Mary Jane? You've gotta love this leather Chie Mihara 'Mopa' Heel shoe (BarefootTess.com). Can you handle a 1.75" heel? Sizes 11, 11.5, 12...hurray!! Tess says the leather is supple and the shoe runs large (incredible), so beware. On sale for $205.

Tuesday, April 10, 2007


When my heart flip flops, I know I've found a great shoe. Aren't these slip on sandals by Vaneli Bice (Zappos.com) absolutely beeeeutiful?! They received rave reviews by Zappos reviewers. Comes in this go-with-anything sand leather and mother of pearl buttons as well as black (with multi-colored buttons). The best news of all (shoe designers/manufacturers, take note): goes up to size 13 w/ 1/2 sizes and multiple widths! Hurray! $94.95.

And you thought we were done with Mary Jane! Nice silhouette on these New York Buckle Down shoes by Kenneth Cole (Zappos.com). The oversized buckle, tapered toe, and brick red color make a great couture statement. Up to 10 w/ 1/2 sizes. $204.

What interesting black and gold striped 1" heels these "Rubinos" by BrunoMagli (Zappos.com) have! They're not your boring, run-of-the-mill slingbacks, that's for sure. Multiple colors. Up to 9-1/2 w/ 1/2 sizes. $201.60.

I don't think this "Naughty" pair by Beverly Feldman (Zappos.com) is naughty at all. In fact, they're darned cute, especially the fushia suede. Also comes in black and brown. Up to size 10 w/ 1/2 sizes. $158.35.

Saturday, April 07, 2007


I'm in love! This Linea Paolo 'Brandi' Flat at Nordstrom.com has stolen my heart. It's got leopard spots, an ankle hugging Mary Jane strap, and kitten heels. Ooo wee! And get this: goes up to size 13 w/ some 1/2 sizes! But beware: Nordstrom says the fit runs small. Multiple colors. $89.95.

Jessica Bennet knows what I like! Her Fuse Slip On Mary Jane at Endless.com has got everything: leather, a 1-1/4" kitten heel, a tapered toe, an updated Victorian edginess, and oh happy day, sizes up to 11 w/ some 1/2 sizes! Black, gray, and brown. On sale for $124.90.

How sweet! The name of this shoe is perfect: Penny Loves Kenny (Confetti ballet flat at Endless.com). The contrasting Mary Jane bow and pin dot detailing make this shoe absolutely adorable. Multiple colors. Only up to size 8.5 (c'mon, guys!). $47.95.

How do you love this leather N.Y.L.A. Danika Ballet Flat at Endless.com? I may upset the purists out there, but the futuristic leather tie communicates "sci fi Mary Jane." Comes in purple, black, and champagne. Up to size 11 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $60.95.
2 words: too cute! This leather Thunder from Two Lips at Endless.com has it all: the Mary Jane strap, the 1" kitten heels, flower appliques, scallops, and even a tapered toe. Love it! Multiple colors. Believe it or not, it goes up to size 11 w/ some 1/2 sizes. Hurray! $61.95.


Mary Jane has gotten so artistic! This Tsubo Juba Mary Jane pump at Endless.com features quilted suede and a strange but cute 1" kitten heel. According to Endless, "the sole is built with comfort in mind." The shoe only goes up to a size 9 (unfortunately!!), but I'm sharing because it's so unique. Hopefully designers Nick O'Rorke and Patrick McNulty will give us more pretty flats and low heels in a wider range of sizes. $89.95.
Mary Jane's not so sweet and innocent anymore! I really like this leather Anna Multi Strap Flat by Frye Footwear at Endless.com. It's a cool rocker take on the girlhood staple. 1/2" heel. Comes in brown sugar, black, and gold (my favorite). Up to size 11 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $134.90.

Who was Mary Jane? Remember her shoes, the kind with the strap over the instep you used to wear as a little girl? They've come a long way, baby. This Vesta Tailored Mary Jane by Naturalizer at Endless.com may have been designed for a conservative outfit, but I think it would be sweet with jeans or something casual. Comes in multiple colors. 1" heel. Up to size 10.5 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $59.95.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007


I know this Metalic Flat by Pollini (NeimanMarcus.com) is expensive, but I just had to share. Gorgeous! This is definitely one for the wish list! 2/3" stacked heel. Up to size 10 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $425 (ouch, but yum!).
For those times when you need a conservative look, this Stacked Reel by Aerosole is perfect. Love the black and brown leather the best. I'd only wear this shoe with slacks or a skirt that comes just below the knee. A long skirt or dress could look too school marmish. Funky accesories will jazz things up a bit. Up to size 12 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $69.
When I first saw this Fire Frill from Aerosole in the catalog I thought, "Ooo! How cute!" I'm not a frilly person, but this one brings out my inner girl while keeping the comfort. Comes in bone, red, and black leather. Up to size 12 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $69.
Sometimes when you need to run errands or go to the grocery store but you don't want to wear sneakers, this Ref Field by Aerosole is a good alternative. Comfy and easy to slip on. Aerosole makes shoes in different price points, presumably based on quality of leather or man-made material used. The great thing about the highest grade Aerosole leather is that it gives after only a couple of wears. Comes in dark yellow, black, brown, and dark tan. Up to size 12 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $69.
This Dekota sandal from Aerosole is HOT! I love the red color, and it also comes in black and brown leather. A French pedicure (white tips) would look so cute with this sandal. Maybe an ankle bracelet, too? Great news for generously-sized feet (like mine): goes up to 12 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $59.
Hurray! My Spring 2007 catalogue from Aerosole arrived in the mail today, so I thought I'd do some window shopping for you. Enjoy!

Saturday, March 31, 2007


Love these patent leather career shoes w/ just a hint of peek-a-boo flirtiness. Linea Paolo 'Jenae' Peep Toe Pump from Nordstrom.com. At 1-1/2", the kitten heels are a nice height. And believe it or not, they go up to size 13 w/ some 1/2 sizes and multiple widths! Multiple colors. $89.95.
SteveMadden.com has a really cool Design Your Own Collection feature that lets you customize your shoe the way you want it. You can choose from different styles, heel sizes, shoe sizes (4 to 12 w/ 1/2 sizes), and a wide range of colors. $99.95. Too bad that cool kitten-heeled ankle boot wasn't a part of this collection!


Steve Madden, you broke my heart with that kitten-heeled ankle boot that was NOT in my size, but you're forgiven (somewhat). His "Flood" rain boot is cute in either style. Rubber upper and sole. Up to size 10. $29.99.

Cute ankle boots with kitten heels are SO hard to find, and I'll always be on the lookout. This "Punk" style from SteveMadden.com is incredibly hot -- so why am I so mad I could spit? Only small sizes! Now granted, the boot's on sale, but just once I'd like to see larger sizes of cute shoes on sale. If the large sizes go first, that means stock up, people!! Get out the tissue, 'cause I'm gonna make you weep 'til your eyes hurt: sizes 6.5-7.5; marked down from $149.95 to $29.99. Oh, the pain!

This shoe, "Sabyne" from NineWest.com, is so pretty, so springtime! The 1" kitten heel is perfect, and it comes in multiple colors. I really like the black patent leather, although the snakeskin is interesting, too. Up to size 12 (wow!) w/ 1/2 sizes. Multiple widths. $79.00.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

When you get some down time, check out the Virtual Shoe Museum. You'll laugh, you'll cry...

Wednesday, March 28, 2007


These Bettye Muller "Drake" pumps from Zappos Couture are expensive -- $368.95. But I like to show higher-priced shoes from time to time because, as you might expect, they are impeccably made. They are the standard by which we should measure lower-priced, knock-off versions. Kitten heels (1 1/2") are my favorite heel style, and Bettye does it right. And believe it or not, these pumps go up to size 11 with some 1/2 sizes!


When I saw these Kate Spades from Zappos.com, my heart skipped a beat. The sandals got mixed Zappos reviews, but isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder anyway? Up to size 9 w/ some 1/2 sizes. (Bigger sizes, please!!) Also comes in white. $228.95.

Check out these amazingly artistic, fun and funky Emilio Pucci rubber boots from Zappos.com! They're so cool I can't stand it. Even though they only go up to size 9 w/ some 1/2 sizes, I still had to show you these boots. It's been raining like crazy here in Chicago, and I can't wait to see some brave soul walking down the street in these. These Puccis received high marks from Zappos reviewers. 1" heel. Also comes in violet rubber. $153.95.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

You've got to check out Atypical Shoes, a blog by Naomi that features shoes that look like art. I love the pair by Patrick Cox; they look like Micky Mouse ears.

Sweet! I like the couture twist on this BCBGirls "Lanya" Flat from Macy's. I especially love that sizes go up to 11 w/ some 1/2 sizes. Multiple colors; light nude shown here. $89.

When I first saw this shoe, I thought, "Wow!" The snake embossed leather, ankle wrap, and t-strap make these Sam Edelman "Carrie" T-Strap Snake Ballets from Bloomingdales very unique, very interesting. This is what I'm talking about! Why should we have to give up cute and edgy just because we want to wear flats and low heels? We need more shoe designers with vision. And I love how the Sam Edelman logo is written inside the shoe. Fantastic! Up to size 10 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $135.
These shoes have got me thinking...some friends and I have been talking about taking a cruise together. A few years ago, I went on my first (and only) cruise to do a workshop and book signing (Sensual Celibacy for all my single friends out there). Not only did my hair blow up because of the humidity, I had no cute shoes to wear! Now I could see myself wearing these Franco Sarto "Cherish" Patent Flat Sandals from Bloomingdales on deck, wind blowing through my blown up hair, or sitting at the captain's table for dinner. Up to size 10 w/ some 1/2 sizes. Although I wear size 11, I can actually wear a 10 in a slip on or sling back, so these may work. Price is right: $79.00!

One word: ADORABLE! I just bought a pair of black cuffed pants (we used to call them floodwaters because they come just above the ankle, but lower than capris) and a multi-colored kimono-type top. The top has some of this yellow color in it. Would it be too wild to wear these cutie pies (if they came in my size, that is)? Guess? "Foxylee" Jeweled Ballet at Bloomingdales. Up to size 10 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $120.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

My apologies...

I'm still trying to figure out the best way to post shoe photos and sometimes they don't come out right. Preview mode doesn't help. Blogger still has some bugs to work out. So please forgive if you've received multiple emails. Just send the ones you don't need to your friends...Donna Marie
Today's post is dedicated to sexy sandals. I'm long overdue for a pedicure, but when I get one this weekend (I'm in a purple polish mood), I'm going to wear my favorite black Aerosole kitten-heel slingbacks to church. That'll get the gossips' tongues wagging!

St. John's Bay 'Ginger' at JCPenny. Anything red, leather, and studded is okay by me! This sandal would go great with cargo shorts, a breezy peasant skirt, or capris. Up to size 11 w/ 1/2 sizes. $24.99.

I haven't always been a fan of the woven look, but this Cabin Creek® 'Elena' Woven Slide at JCPenny is kinda cute + it's leather (see my previous rant about yucky 'pleather' shoes). And you know me--slip 'em on and get to stepping! Multiple colors. Up to 11 w/ 1/2 sizes. $17.99 (excellent!).






San Tropez by Aerosole. The beaded ornament is like jewelry for the toes. Like Borat says, very nize! Leather, multiple colors. 1/2" heel. Up to size 12 w/ some 1/2 sizes (hurray!). $65.00.


Santuary by Aerosole. The studs and style have a strong gladiator feel that make you want to go out and conquer something. Although I like thonged sandals for their sex appeal, I sometimes want the piglettes to have nothing in between them, y'know? Leather, multiple colors. Up to size 12 w/ some 1/2 sizes. $69.00.

You can't get much sexier than this Stone Shield Flip Flop at JCPenny -- practically your entire foot is naked! The turquoise stones make me want want to go to the beach and dig my toes in the sand. Multiple colors; up to size 10. Best price today: $11.99. Wow!
Journee Collection Bamboo Series Cork Sandals at Overstock.com. Easy! Slip 'em on and get to stepping. Sizes vary, depending on the color. Marked down from $68 to $32.99. Not bad and kinda cute!

This a.n.a™ 'Axis' Ankle-wrap Wedge sandal at JCPenney looks complicated, but cute. If you have a date, maybe it would be worth the time to put on. Leather and canvas with just a teeny (1") bit of rope-covered wedge. Multiple colors. Up to size 10 w/ 1/2 sizes. $39.99.